HAMC Sees its First Graduate

Rugby ND - It’s been seven months since the ribbon cutting ceremony at the HAMC Cancer Care Suite and on May 8th the first graduate completed treatment. JoLynn Fautsch, a Kindergarten Teacher at Maddock Public School successfully finished her 7th infusion as part of her treatment regimen for breast cancer.

“It was Easter weekend, 2017 when I was suspicious and realized I needed to be checked and possibly schedule a mammogram. I was seen at Heart of America Johnson Clinic in Rugby by Andi Stahl, GNP-BC who later that same day, scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound which confirmed my diagnosis of breast cancer.” Says Fautsch.

Fautsch saw an oncologist and began treatments at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo in June of 2017. She traveled to Fargo from Maddock six more times to seek care.

“I have a husband and small children at home as well as being a teacher. It was important to me and my family to keep our schedule as normal as possible. When I learned HAMC was building a cancer care suite I decided to get my treatments in Rugby, it just made sense. I was born in this hospital and I bring my children here.”

“Everywhere I’ve been during this journey, there have been many helpful, caring people. But one of the things I am grateful for is the care I received in Rugby. When you’re here you interact with people who have common ground, you find mutual connections and this is something that has brought me comfort and put me at ease. Not once did I feel like a number, was never rushed and didn’t have to wait for my appointments. The team of nurses and pharmacists are always professional and well informed. Bottom line, there is extra care and time given to me when I am here.”

The Infusion suite, which is situated near the acute care hospital on ground floor, is staffed by skilled pharmacists and nurses who are specially certified to administer infusion medicines for cancer, chronic infections, immune disorders or other conditions that require intravenous therapy.

Because infusion therapy can sometimes take several hours, the suite is equipped with features to help make patients as comfortable as possible, such as soothing massage chairs, soft lighting, televisions, tablets and Wi-Fi.

For more information about receiving infusion treatments, contact Heart of America Johnson Clinic at 701.776.5235.